Practice Report – Brandon Jacobs will make the team

Coach Jim Harbaugh reiterated today that Colin Kaepernick will serve as the main back up to starter Alex Smith. Harbaugh also said Kaepernick will once again be the first one off the bench after Smith finishes up this Sunday in the 49ers nationally televised game in Denver.
Harbaugh also said that running back Brandon Jacobs has shown him enough to make the team. Jacobs is still in crutches after hurting his left knee in Saturday’s 20-9 loss in Houston. That would seem to hurt the chances of the team’s other big back, Anthony Dixon, making the team.
Dixon has played extensively in the last two preseason games at fullback, halfback and special teams. Offensive coordinator Greg Roman said Dixon’s performance in Houston was the best he has ever seen him play.
However, the 49ers are also likely to keep Rock Cartwright, a special teams standout who can also play halfback and fullback.
In other news, cornerback Chris Culliver (leg) and linebacker NaVorro Bowman were absent from Thursday’s practice. Meanwhile, linebackers Kourtnei Brown (unknown) and Cam Johnson (knee) were working out on a separate field. Tight end Delanie Walker (knee) was also working out on his own to start practice and it looks like he is close to returning.
The 49ers looked like they’ve cut back on their punt return candidates. On Thursday, Ted Ginn Jr., Kyle Williams and LaMichael James were taking turns catching punts in the twisting Santa Clara breezes. Previously, wide receiver A.J. Jenkins and defensive back Perrish Cox also practice punt returns.